Hong Kong is a beautiful and expensive city, with luxury hotels, classy restaurants and outlets of the world's top designer brands. Senior visitors may be happy to discover that the Chinese city also offers many activities that cost little or no money. Here are five free (or almost free) things to do in Hong Kong:

Stroll. The city is compact and exploring specific areas is easy. The double-decker trams are also a cheap option at about $1 per ride. Several lines (North Point to Western Market especially) cut right though the popular tourist areas, offering hop-on, hop-off travel.

Bird Market: This uniquely Chinese experience is in the heart of Kowloon on Yuen Po Street. In this tightly packed city, birds make convenient pets. In addition to all the vendors, you’ll find many residents with their own birds just to hang out.

Star Ferry: For only about 50¢ per ride, this boat ride gives passengers a tremendous view of the skyline of Hong Kong Central and Kowloon. It's a great way to get across Victoria Harbour from one part of the city to the other.

Street Food: In addition to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city has great vendor food. Try the Causeway Bay neighborhood and just follow the crowds. There are many shops and stands serving all kinds of dim sum and other delicacies. The Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is also a good place to sample exotic offerings.

Victoria Peak: Visit the Peak by bus above Hong Kong and look down at the city and harbor. Instead of paying $15 to take the tram or taxi, pay $3 to ride the #15 bus from Central to the top. Instead of eating at the tourist filled, over-priced restaurant at the Peak, take a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.